Nairobi, Kenya - The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), the International Relations Society of Kenya (IRSK), the African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes (ACCORD), and the African Centre for the Study of the United States (ACSUS) at the University of the Witwatersrand proudly announce the hosting of its Second Annual IRSK Conference. The event is scheduled to take place from the 20th to the 22nd of November 2024 in Nairobi, Kenya.

Themed "Fostering Integration and Cooperation in the COMESA Region through International Relations and Diplomacy, this second edition of the IRSK Annual Conference represents an exciting convergence of theory and practice in international relations and diplomacy and seeks to make a meaningful contribution to the promotion of peace, stability, and prosperity in the COMESA region.

The three-day conference will bring together key stakeholders, including government officials, diplomats, policymakers, scholars, business leaders, media, and civil society from the COMESA region and beyond. The conference will feature an exciting blend of insightful keynotes, roundtable discussions, research presentations, book launches, workshops, and networking events all designed to foster collaboration and facilitate knowledge sharing among participants."

With close to 200 participants from over 30 countries expected to attend, the second edition of the IRSK Annual Conference is poised to be a landmark event for stakeholders within the COMESA region. The participants will include a mix of seasoned experts and emerging voices in international relations and diplomacy, providing a rich tapestry of perspectives and experiences.

The primary aim of this conference is to explore possible solutions to the multifaceted challenges and competing priorities that the region faces by facilitating discussions and outcomes that are truly holistic and inclusive. Registration for the conference is now open to participants and tickets can be purchased online.

The conference's outcomes shall be converted into actionable strategies and policies that will help pave the way for a more integrated and prosperous COMESA region.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Mr. Dismas Mokua
conference@irskenya.or.ke
info@irskenya.or.ke
IRSK

Ms. Paida Mudzimuirema
paidamwoyo@accord.org.za
ACCORD

About The Organizers.

The International Relations Society of Kenya (IRSK) is the professional body for the International Affairs and Diplomacy fields in Kenya. The Society serves as a forum for the exchange of ideas, networking, and programmatic initiatives among those involved in the study, teaching, and practice of international relations and diplomacy. IRSK works to promote policy dialogues on international affairs and diplomacy between various parties, carry out pertinent and substantial research, and engage in conversation and collaboration with various actors at national, regional, and international levels. www.irskenya.or.ke

The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) was established in 1994 to replace the former Preferential Trade Area (PTA). It is the largest Regional Economic Community with a total of 21 Member States. COMESA’s main focus is to promote economic prosperity through regional integration. Its objective also includes the promotion of peace and security in the region as espoused in Article 3(d) of the COMESA Treaty. The program on peace and security specifically focuses on governance, conflict prevention, conflict management and post- conflict reconstruction. www.comesa.int

The African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes (ACCORD) is a civil society organisation working throughout Africa since ACCORD 1992, to bring creative African solutions to the challenges posed by conflict on the continent. We impact political developments by bringing conflict resolution, dialogue, and development to the forefront as an alternative to protracted conflict. As part of its strategic objectives, ACCORD aims to generate, document, and share knowledge that positively impacts conflict prevention, management, resolution, and transformation. www.accord.org.za

The African Centre for the Study of the United States (ACSUS) at the University of the Witwatersrand is the leading hub for African-generated knowledge on the US. Established in 2018, ACSUS addresses the gap in dedicated US studies in sub-Saharan Africa. It remains the first Centre of its kind on the continent to offer a nuanced, analytical African perspective on the US. ACSUS provides extensive, multi and interdisciplinary insights into topics such as political diplomacy, internal US dynamics, diasporic matters, and the US's role as a global political leader. https://www.africa-usforum.africa/